more from Scott Soames

Single Idea 13974

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / F. Analytic Philosophy / 5. Linguistic Analysis]

Full Idea

If all of philosophy is the analysis of meaning, and meaning is fundamentally transparent to competent speakers, there is little room for philosophically significant explanations and theories, since they will be necessary or a priori, or both.

Gist of Idea

If philosophy is analysis of meaning, available to all competent speakers, what's left for philosophers?

Source

Scott Soames (Significance of the Kripkean Nec A Posteriori [2006], p.186)

Book Reference

Soames,Scott: 'Philosophical Essays 2:Significance of Language' [Princeton 2009], p.186


A Reaction

He cites the later Wittgenstein as having fallen into this trap. I suppose any area of life can have its specialists, but I take Shakespeare to be a greater master of English than any philosopher I have ever read.